The Church of San Martín in Arévalo

The Church of San Martín, also known as the church of the «Torres Gemelas», is a Christian temple in Arévalo, Ávila. Built between the 12th and 18th centuries, it was one of the 11 parishes listed in the inventory of Cardinal Gil Torres in 1250. It was founded by the knights of the Tapia lineage to serve as their place of burial and meetings. In 1911, it lost its religious function and was used as a grain storage area during the 20th century. In the early 21st century, it was rehabilitated and converted into a cultural space by the Obra Social de Caja de Ávila.

The building features a nave made of tapial and is notable for its two elevated towers. One is hollow and popularly known as the «Torre de los Ajedreces» due to the chessboard decoration on its upper body. The other is solid and is called the «Torre Nueva». The upper floor of the Torre de los Ajedreces features windows in the Mudejar style, which contrasts with the dominant Romanesque style of the original temple.

Inside the building, there is a Romanesque atrium and a Baroque altarpiece. It is significant enough that Fray Juan Gil was baptized in its baptismal font. The structure was declared a national monument on June 4, 1931, and since its rehabilitation, it has hosted numerous exhibitions, concerts, and workshops.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons